Review on The Crown Inn
A little off the beaten track, The Crown Inn displays all the hallmarks of a country pub with a distinctive white washed exterior, it's set in the hamlet of Upton, located approximately 7 miles north of Andover in Hampshire. However, this is more than a popular drinking venue, there's a new chef/patron at the helm Dave Watt, who honed his skills at esteemed chef Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons for eight years, where he held the position of sous chef.
The kitchen delivers everything from pub classics like ploughman's and honey and mustard glazed ham, free range eggs, pickled cucumber and chips to more refined dishes showcasing creative technique and skill. Menus make excellent use of produce carefully sourced from trusted local suppliers, as well as foraged from the surrounding countryside. For starters you might be tempted by mackerel pate, Dorset mascarpone, pickles and toasted soda bread before moving on to a main course of 'Dun stout' braised venison neck, swede variations, garlic buttered Savoy cabbage and braising juices. When it comes to desserts, a popular choice is their baked Madagascan vanilla rice pudding, hedgerow berry puree, coconut tuile and toasted meringue or there's an equally tempting treacle tart with citrus mascarpone, apricot and orange and compote.
The Crown has a selection of tasty bar snacks if you are just popping in for a leisurely drink by the cosy fire, as well as locally brewed beers and a carefully compiled wine list.
Cuisine
Gastro pub / Modern British
Chef
Dave Watts
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm Wed-Sat (12.00 - 8.00pm Sat)
Dinner: 6.00 - 9.00pm Wed & Thu (6.00 - 9.30pm Fri & Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card